Microsoft wants UMPC 2.0 devices to cost $499-599

Just over a month ago, Intel revealed what it had in store for its next-generation ultra-mobile PC platform, McCaslin. The folks at Ars Technica now have information regarding what Microsoft wants next-generation UMPCs to look like, from display and form factor down to pricing. According to Ars, Microsoft wants the UMPC 2.0 "experience" to involve smaller, higher-resolution displays, thinner enclosures, and even new input methods like QWERTY keyboards. Displays will be 5" to 7" across, and like the display on Samsung's new Q1 Ultra, they'll have a resolution of 1024x600 as well as LED back-lighting.

With the higher resolution displays and smaller form factors will also come a price reduction. Samsung's Q1 Ultra costs $799, but Ars says Microsoft wants next-gen UMPCs to cost between $499 and $599—a significant drop from the intended $599-$999 price range for original UMPCs. For reference, the cheapest UMPC on Newegg right now seems to be the Samsung Q1B, which costs a relatively hefty $869.99.